How DO you say “chorizo” in English anyway?

Overheard at a local Mexican restaurant:

emp1: This guy asked me how to say “chorizo” in English, but I couldn’t think of the right word.
emp2: That sucks. I can’t either.
emp1: (looking at me) Do you know how to say “chorizo” in English?
me: Nope. I just thought everyone knew what it was.
emp1: Right! It’s just chorizo. I don’t want to tell him what it is because he might not like it.
me: You could tell him it’s like a mashed up hot dog. They’re made from leftover ‘meat’ too.

It IS good with eggs though. Yum.